Ligamentous injury is a major cause of morbidity and time away from sport in athletes. Most sports injuries happen to either the ankle or the knee. Ankles are injured more often, but knee injuries are more serious. Knee injuries can end an athlete’s career. Thus, ligamentous repair is recommended to facilitate a rapid and complete return to high-level sporting activity.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee, enabling movements such as walking, running, and pivoting. Since injuries to the ACL are common among athletes and active individuals, ACL replacement surgery becomes a viable option for restoring knee functionality.
This raises the question: Is ACL replacement a major surgery? So, let us know more about the same.
What is ACL Replacement Surgery?
ACL replacement surgery is also known as ACL reconstruction. The surgery involves replacing the damaged ligament with a graft. The ACL has a poor capacity to heal. Thus, the current gold standard surgical treatment for an ACL injury is ACL replacement surgery with graft.
The graft can be of the following two types:
- Autografts – Tissue is taken from the patient’s own body, such as the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon
- Allografts – Donor tissue is taken from a cadaver
Although the procedure involves minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, it is still considered a major surgery due to its complex nature and its impact on the patient’s body.
All ACL injuries do not require surgery. For partial tears or less active individuals, doctors might recommend non-surgical treatments like bracing and physical therapy. However, for those who aim to return to high-impact activities, ACL replacement surgery is often essential.
Why is ACL Replacement Considered a Major Surgery?
Surgery is generally considered major if it involves:
- the surgeon going deep inside your body, like into your belly, or a big joint, like your knee or hip.
- a doctor to repair or rebuild damaged tissues, like muscles, tendons, or bones.
- a long recovery time and special exercises or therapy to get better.
Since ACL replacement checks all the above mentioned things, it is considered as a major surgery.
Some key factors that categorize ACL replacement as a major surgical procedure include the following:
Anesthesia
The procedure is carried out under spinal or general anesthesia. This raises additional complications and necessitates careful observation.
Invasiveness
ACL replacement surgery uses an arthroscopic approach meaning it will involve smaller incisions compared to open surgery. Still, it requires the removal and replacement of damaged tissue. Thus, the surgeon has to be very careful while attaching the graft and securing it using specialized techniques.
Surgical Duration
Depending on the severity of the injury and the graft type used, the ACL replacement surgery typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration emphasizes how careful the procedure has to be.
Risks and Complications
Like other surgeries, ACL replacement surgery also carries risks, such as infection, graft rejection or failure, stiffness or loss of motion in the knee, re-tearing of the ligament, etc.
Recovery Time
Recovery from ACL replacement surgery can take six months to a year. The recovery period involves intense physical therapy to regain full knee functionality. This extended rehabilitation process reflects the significant impact of the surgery on the body.
What to Expect with ACL Replacement Surgery?
Before the procedure your doctor will assess your overall health, focusing on the knee’s condition. Physical therapy may be recommended before surgery to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
During the surgery, your surgeon will follow an arthroscopic approach. He/she will first make a small incision to insert a camera and surgical instruments. After that they will prepare and shape and graft and then position the graft in place, securing it with screws or other fixation devices.
Post-surgery you will be given medicines for pain management. Your doctor will advise you to use a knee brace or crutches. You will also be recommended to start physical therapy (within a few days) for faster recovery and regaining motility.
Conclusion
ACL replacement is undoubtedly a major surgery, given its complexity, recovery demands, and potential risks. However, advancements in surgical techniques have made it less invasive and more effective. By following the prescribed rehabilitation plan and consulting experienced orthopedic surgeons, patients can achieve excellent outcomes and resume their active lifestyles.
Send your queries to EdhaCare if you are looking to travel for ACL replacement surgery. We will help you with consultations with a skilled orthopedic surgeon who will further determine the best approach according to your healthcare needs.
FAQs
Is ACL repair considered major surgery?
Since ACL repair involves reconstructing the torn ligament with a graft, it is considered a major surgery.
How serious is an ACL surgery?
ACL surgery is a major surgery as it involves risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, etc. It can be safe and effective when performed by experienced and skilled surgeons.
Do they use screws in ACL surgery?
Yes, screws are often used during ACL surgery to secure the graft to the bone. These screws are typically biodegradable and will dissolve over time
Can ACL surgery go wrong?
ACL surgery can always involve a risk of complications but advanced surgical techniques and post-operative care increase the success rate of the surgery. Potential complications may include infection, blood clots, stiffness, graft failure, etc.
Can I live without ACL surgery?
Yes, you can live without ACL surgery. But without surgery you may experience instability in your knee, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty with physical activities.
What is the age limit for ACL surgery?
ACL surgery has no strict age limit. Younger individuals tend to recover faster and have better outcomes. Older individuals may require more intensive rehabilitation and might not be able to return to high-impact activities as easily.